Acupuncturists form local alliance to treat military, vets

Local acupuncturists have joined to offer their skills in service to military servicemen and women and veterans.

Durango Acupuncture Alliance is a group of independent, professionally licensed and nationally certified acupuncturists. Their first project is to provide a local clinic dedicated to offering free community-style acupuncture treatments for active-duty military, veterans and their families.

By providing these people with access to healing in a supportive environment, the alliance’s intention is to interrupt the cycle of unresolved trauma and assist in the process of recovery from the impact of war.

Community-style acupuncture is a simple, effective, low-cost modality that offers treatment to a large number of people.

Durango Acupuncture Alliance members are part of a network of more than 30 volunteer clinics that have been established nationwide.

Veterans who have been treated at these clinics have reported benefits such as a full night’s sleep for the first time in years and fewer bad dreams. They also reported improved mental clarity, less anxiety and reduction in stress and overall pain.

The Durango alliance’s free clinic for active-duty military and veterans is open from 6 to 8 p.m. every Thursday at the Durango VFW, 1550 Main Ave. Other locations and days will be added in the future.

As a way to support this project, Durango Acupuncture Alliance will be offering treatments at the Durango Farmers Market on Oct. 13 and 20. Donations will be accepted gratefully and used to help fund the Durango Veterans Clinic.

Richard Schleeter is the veterans service officer for the La Plata County Veterans Service Office. He can be reached at 759-0117 or schleeterrs@co.laplata.co.us.

For more information

The La Plata County Veterans Service Office provides information and assis­tance to veterans and their families. For more information, visit the county website at www.co.laplata.co.us and type “veterans services” in the search window. The Veterans Service Office and the Durango VA Clinic are located at 1970 East Third Ave.

The office phone number is 759-0117. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays except holidays. Appointments are encouraged.